Starbucks Drops Name and Coffee

Today Starbucks announced that its logo has been simplified removing the words "Starbucks" and "Coffee" from their famous emblem.  The simplified design marks the 40th anniversary of the first Starbucks store in Seattle in 1971.  The new logo (shown right) will be phased in, starting March 2011.  The possible reason for the change? A logo that better represents a company that is now much more than just coffee. 

From Starbucks website: "Our new evolution liberates the Siren from the outer ring, making her the true, welcoming face of Starbucks."